Sensational Jordi Alba Strike Saves Barcelona Against Real Betis, Confirms UCL Participation

• Barcelona confirmed their qualification to next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Real Betis
• Jordi Alba struck a sensational 92nd minute shot to seal the match at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Andalusia
• The result went a long way towards confirming La Blaugrana as runners-up to Real Madrid, while Los Verdiblancos Champions League hopes took a massive dent

Barcelona will play in next season's UEFA Champions League.

This comes after La Blaugrana defeated Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Andalusia. This was revenge for the visitors, as the hosts had defeated them 1-0 at the Nou Camp last December.

Ansu Fati opened the scoring in the 78th minute for Barcelona, before Marc Bartra equalised just three minutes later. With a draw looking likely, man-of-the-match Jordi Alba struck a wicked first-time shot that whizzed past the hapless goalkeeper.

With Champions League football now guaranteed, Barca also took a step towards finishing in second place behind great rivals and champions Real Madrid. They moved up to 69 points, moving five points ahead of Sevilla in third place on 64 points.

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The loss was costly for Los Verdiblancos, who remained in fifth place on 58 points. A victory could have brought them level with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who are on 61 points. With Atleti playing Real in the Madrid derby tomorrow, there was a real possibility that European football's most prestigious competition was in their future.

An Atletico draw or loss will keep this dream alive, however.

Barcelona will play Getafe next Sunday at home. Betis will travel to Valencia on Tuesday night.

Much to play for in La Liga match between Real Betis and Barcelona with Champions League beckoning

In tonight's headline La Liga match, Real Betis will host Barcelona at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville.

As reported by Sports Brief, the encounter at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Andalusia promises to be an entertaining encounter taking into account what is at stake.

Los Verdiblancos currently sits in fifth place with 58 points, three behind Atletico Madrid in fourth position, the last UEFA Champions League place.